Blog #7 - Antiwar

    Being antiwar is not uncommon in the United States, but it is extremely uncommon to hear about antiwar in media. Especially in mainstream media, many big corporations and platforms refuse to cover antiwar topics. Antiwar protests are seen nation and world wide, places like college campuses are becoming well known to host many protests about wars in Gaza and Ukraine. It can be assumed that a big reason that many major news corporations such as CNN, NBC, and FOX do not cover antiwar efforts is because they are, in some way, connected to supporting pro war efforts and costs. While it is not necessarily a bad thing to want to help people fighting in a war, by not covering antiwar protests, these platforms are essentially glorifying countries going to war and only making these wars last longer by not covering the people who want the wars to stop. 

    Antiwar protests have been seen frequently since the 1960s and the Vietnam War. While the news have always covered the physical protests, they never discuss what and why people are protesting. Instead, many platforms elect to make it seem as if these protests are a bad thing and hurting the American military and war efforts. In reality, the right to protest is a coveted American right granted in the First Amendment, and platforms should make an effort to cover why the people are protesting as it is patriotic to do so. 

   

    Looking at the websites The American Conservative and Antiwar.com, it is very interesting to have not heard of these platforms until just today. Likely pushed away from modern news sites and platforms, it is upsetting to just learn of these sites as a 21 year old when I feel so much pro war ideas and propaganda has been forced upon me through the news. Rather than discussing issues with the war itself, I feel Americans will typically be told how potentially dangerous other countries are and why they need to be stopped. One example of this was hearing about the weapons supposedly being held by the Middle East through the 2000s and 2010s. While we later found that these weapons never existed for the most part, it still pushed Americans to go to war overseas and occupy the Middle East; which we still do today nearly 20 years later. 

    To finish, its incredibly alarming that, for a person to hear powerful antiwar voices, they must search for obscure websites rather then be told this important information by the mainstream news. It is clear that many of these big platforms are connected to pro war voices and corporations in which they are entitled to cover what is so scary about this war and how America and it's people can help. 

Blog #6 - EOTO #1 Reaction

    In class, we went over many different forms of communications through time. I did my presentation on the fax machine and it's long history and advancements over the years. While I felt near everyone did very good presentations, Bluetooth really caught my eye. Bluetooth has become an essential part of life, enabling users to connect to speakers, cars, watches, or anything else that is compatible. Much of new technology relies solely on Bluetooth compatibility to work, requiring another device for it to work properly. 

    I also chose Bluetooth because of the presentation and the information given that was very surprising. It is often assumed or joked about that our phones are listening to us, which they likely are. But learning that Bluetooth is a big reason for why not just your phone but nearly every device is able to listen to you is shocking. More then that, the fact that it hears what you say then gives you adds or suggested material based off what its heard is eerie. On the other side, it was very interesting to learn that Bluetooth is used in many tools you might not think, such as dental supplies. In summation, Bluetooth is a fascinating thing with so much more that will likely be upgraded or advanced in the future, and it does not rely on internet for function. 

Blog #5 - Privacy

     In a world full of technology, privacy is essential for protecting yourself and those around you. Governments, hackers, and criminals alike all want your information. While there are ways to be safer, use VPNs, different communicating apps, or other strategies, ultimately, much of your information will already be put online due to lack of privacy given by major social media and communication companies. Staying private online, while difficult, is possible but requires avid attention and a willingness to potentially miss out on features that are more revealing towards your profile. 

    While I have not personally been hacked, I have been around friends whose Instagrams and TikToks get hacked and they lose total control of the account. Another frequent form of hacking is when hackers take photos from the persons profile and create an alternate profile. These fake profiles typically urge people to follow claiming they will start posting private content of the individual or they will post a link that make people looking at the account vulnerable to also getting hacked. These issues directly effect me, my family, and friends because these privacy issues pose a major threat to everyday life. There is always a chance that your Instagram, Snapchat, X, or other social media platform gets tapped into and you not only lose the account, but the hacker gains all posts, saved posts, and drafts from the app. Especially on an app like TikTok that allows you to make drafts (posts that don't get posted), privacy is crucial as many of those drafts are not made to be seen by the public eye. 

    In my opinion, the government should continue to take steps to make these apps more private. While it makes catching criminals and terrorists more difficult because you cannot tap into their messaging and socials, it gives the general public a higher sense of security and privacy. While Silicon Valley corporations continue to build encryptions making hacking more difficult, I think its important for our government to feed into this and help make increasing privacy a more pressing matter. By doing this, it also allows for the public to be safer from foreign governments as well, something that our government should for sure be fighting to accomplish. 

    While there are many steps to staying private online, I think the biggest one is to make your account private. Though this seems obvious, it is surprising how many accounts continue to stay public for no apparent reason. Being public on social media gives you a much higher likelihood of being hacked or kicked out of your account. Another recommendation would be not to answer spam calls, texts, or emails. We now live in a world where getting random calls, texts, and emails are extremely common, and answering these, even for fun, puts you at risk of data leaking or getting tricked and scammed. 

Blog #4 - EOTO #1 Research

    The fax machine first originated from Alexander Bain's Electric Printing Telegraph in 1843. This would serve as the primary source of digital communication until the invention of the telephone. Later in 1880, English inventor Shelford Bidwell invented the Scanning PhotoTelegraph which was the first "fax" machine capable of digitally sharing photos and images. Just eight years later in 1888, Elisha Grey created the TelAutograph allowing users to sign images and send them across long distances. While the evolution of the fax machine carried into the 20th century, these three 1800s machines served as benchmarks for digital communication as a whole. 

    Continuing into the 20th century, the AT&T Corporation further advanced the early fax machine technology in 1924 by sending photos through telephone or wire transmission. This was major progress as sending 2D images now became much easier, no matter the distance. That same year, the RCA (Radio Corporation of America) developed the TransOceanic Radio Facsimile and became the first to send a photo overseas; from New York to London. Again in 1924, the AT&T Corporation invented the first fax machine capable of transmitting the worlds first color facsimile. This would become incredibly important for photos and different color ink on important documents. During this time, in 1924, it would take approximately six minutes to send a fax. 

Fax machine circa 1968

    Fast forward to 1960, technology world-wide had advanced drastically since just 1924, and fax devices were no different. The U.S Army sent the first photograph via satellite facsimile from America to Puerto Rico. In 1964, the Xerox Corporation placed a patent on commercialized modern fax machines that use telephone transmission. This same machine two years later could be connected to any phone line making fax machines optimal and common in many businesses. 

Fax machine circa 1970s

    In just 50 years, 1924 to 1974, the average time it took to send something via fax cut in half, dropping from six minutes to just three. In 1982, fax machines were sold for an estimated $20,000 per machine, which would be just under $65,000 today. 

Fax machine circa 1980s

    More recently, faxes are sent via satellite using internet. This started when, in 1982, GammaLink created the first computer based fax board called the GammaFax. This would start the wave of adapting fax to current technologies. In 1996, the general public were given the opportunity to use a internet fax service, allowing for faxes to be sent and received over the computer. Faxes sent via internet and computer are still used frequently today, and with its popularity came several other corporations offering internet fax. In 2010, eFax launched an iOS app through Apple products allowing users to fax directly from their devices. Android followed Apple the following year, allowing their users to also send faxes through their devices. 

Fax machine circa 1990s

    The fax was incredibly important to the development of digital communications. While fax machines popularized in the 1980s and seen in many offices are now considered obsolete, fax as a form of communication was able to adapt with new technology and move primarily online. Platforms like eFax have made this progression very easy, allowing users to still send the faxes they need and love to do. Faxing is still incredibly relevant today, still being used by businesses across the world and continuing to progress with the times and make communicating easier. 

Blog #3 - The Eight Values of Free Expression

    The Eight Values of Free Expression are as written: Marketplace of Ideas, Participation in Self-Government, Stable Change, Individual Self-Fulfillment, Check on Governmental Power, Promote Tolerance, Promote Innovation, and Protect Dissent. These core values help define and shape our American right and privilege to free speech.

    Going into writing this blog, I did not know much about these principles, rather, I looked solely to the 6 clauses or freedoms listed in the 1st Amendment. While our right to freedom of speech is clearly set by the definition of the 1st Amendment, it was interesting reading through the values and making connections to past and present America.

    To start, I felt the value that best resonates with me is that of Individual Self-Fulfillment (aka Self-Actualization) defined as "Free speech enables individuals to express themselves and thereby create their own identity — and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits. Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity, human agency and autonomy" (Baker). This was fascinating to break down because it raised two thoughts.

    My initial thought was immense pride in having these rights; the ability to be an individual, create your own identity. This allows for reflecting on decisions you made independently, and how it leads to improved human dignity. My next thought was reflecting once again on my pride, noting how blessed we are to be American and have the rights to many forms of freedom. It also raised questions about how civilians in nations with nearly no granted freedom would have considerably less human dignity based on these values. While many civilians in these other nations may feel miserable or trapped because this lack of freedom, certain beliefs lead many nations to respect this denial of freedom.

    Moving forward, while all eight values could be viewed as equally important, people may view certain values higher then others. Personally, I believe there are two principles that rise slightly higher then the rest. 

    The first value is Check on Governmental Power (aka Watchdog Role) which is defined as "As Watergate, Irangate, Clintongate and all the other "gates" demonstrate, freedom of the press enables citizens to learn about abuses of power — and then do something about the abuse at the ballot box if they feel so moved. We, along with the press, are part of the check-and-balance system to restrains government power and abuse of power" (Blasi). I feel this is extremely important as our entire government relies on this system of checks and balances, allowing an equal distribution of power amongst the three branches. Checks and balances is much more then just the system our government relies on to divide the three branches, but it is used within almost all branches and gives power to the people, allowing us to keep our government in check.

    The second value is that of Protect Dissent, defined as "Our system is not supposed to be one of mob rule. The First Amendment protects minority views, no matter how unpopular. You have a strongly protected right to disagree with the government — and everyone else. In fact, it is your patriotic duty to criticize the government" (Shiffrin). I feel this is incredibly important because it is something commonly misunderstood amongst many Americans, especially the younger generations. Having this right is especially unique to America, with governmental powers and leaders typically only allowing praise; such as North Korea. Having this right helps us, again, keep the government in check and gives us a higher sense of human dignity.

    Next, the value that felt the most personal to me was Promote Innovation, defined as "A community in which free speech is valued and protected is likely to be a more energized, creative, interesting society as its citizens actively fulfill themselves in many diverse and interesting ways" (Balkin). Always striving to be creative, it has only just become a realization that freedom permits creativity. After reading this value, it immediately stuck out to me because, like everything else in the world, creativity, energy, and interest are frequencies; always flowing, constantly changing. I reflected on these frequencies and noticed a direct correlation to different forms of freedom and how they increased the strength of these frequencies.

    To finish, I wanted to look at the values most connected to the state of modern America. The two values I felt are most applicable today are Participation in Self-Government and Stable Change.

    Participation in Self-Government has been defined as "It has been suggested that citizens will not make wise and informed choices in elections if candidates and proponents of certain policies are restricted in their ability to communicate positions. We want an informed electorate involved in debate" (Meiklejohn). I felt this is extremely relative to the world we live in because we just finished an election where candidates did tours spreading their beliefs and intended policies. I was also particularly interesting in how social media greatly benefits this value, as information regarding current politics spread quickly across platforms.

    Stable Change (aka Saftey Valve) is considered "It has been suggested that a society in which angry and alienated citizens are allowed to speak their mind, or "vent," will be more stable, as people will be less likely to resort to violence.  It has also been pointed out that allowing the alienated and discontented to speak freely enables government to better monitor potentially dangerous groups who would otherwise act more clandestinely. Ultimately, it is in the governments own self-interest to allow such venting" (Spinoza). I felt this was tied to present time because, like with Protect Dissent, many people need to understand that having the ability to speak out and openly against acts made by the government is our civic duty. While modern political disagreements tend to blow out of proportion due to social media and radical ideals, many Americans need to understand that venting about our government is a protected, valued, and crucial American right.

Blog #2 - The Supreme Court

    Established in 1789, the Supreme Court serves as the highest judicial authority in the United States, defending our Constitution. It is comprised of nine Justices, one of which being the Chief Justice. These Justices work together to solve the largest and most controversial cases seen nationwide, applying the Constitution and their own respected opinions to find a compromise and decision.  

The Supreme Court Building

   Prior to watching the videos, I had very little idea of what went on inside the courtroom and the process of deciding and announcing cases. I knew the Supreme Court remains the most powerful section of the Judiciary Branch of Government, they have the power to choose what cases to hear, there is a Chief Justice, and the existence of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. That's about it. After watching the videos, I feel much more educated about the Supreme Court and the process of deciding a case. 

Dred Scott

    To start, watching these videos gave me a ton of new information surrounding the Supreme Court. I was very interested to find out that in its 236 years of existence, the court has only had just over 100 Justices total. While this makes sense after learning Justices, on average, serve for 16 years and often more, this information added perspective to the exclusivity of serving as a Justice.     

    Continuing, I also learned about how controversial Dred Scott's case was, and its massive effect on American history. While I had heard his name before, I did not know much about who he was or his case in the Supreme Court. After watching the videos, I see how crucial his case was in the abolishment of slavery and establishing the 14th Amendment.

The U.S. Constitution

    In reflecting on both videos, there are two clear takeaways, both sharing the importance of the American people. One takeaway is cited at 8:48 in video Part 2 when the narrator states, "If the Court ever stopped defending the Constitution, or the ever people stopped listening, then one of the treasures that keep this the freest nation in the world would cease to exist." This is a very powerful and true quote as the trust built between the court and the people relies on equality, attentiveness, publicity, and individuality in thought.

John Marshall

    To finish, my thoughts about the Supreme Court did not change much, but my knowledge and reasoning behind these thoughts have become better educated. Coming into this blog, I knew very little

about the history, details, and process behind the Supreme Court, but as an American I have been raised to respect and admire the importance of the Court.

    After watching the videos, I am more prideful and interested in the Supreme Court. One main reason for this is how the videos showed that the Justices are human, like you and me. Seen in the videos when Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg expressed how nervous she got when entering the Supreme Court Room for the first time. Another example lies in the process of coming to a decision and writing an opinion, being that each Justice is entitled to their own thoughts and opinions. While a compromise is inevitable, having the ability to say and publish your own opinions on a case is uniquely American. 

Blog #1 - My Top Five Sources of News and Information

    How do you stay up to date with news and current events? With much of this information being accessible online, it's important to assess what platforms best spread news that apply to you and your community. Because of the rise of spreading news through social media, fake news and credibility issues have become a much more prevalent issue in the spreading of news. Because of this, it is important to know sources which might have bias or a bad reputation. Listed below are five sources which I most commonly use and trust to stay updated with all forms of news. 

TikTok

     TikTok is a major source of news for me as well as many other Americans. While the credibility of much news can cause speculation, TikTok offers information major news platforms may deem grotesque, lewd, insignificant, or adjacent to their political party. It is because of this near freedom of "coverage" and unique For You Page algorithm that makes TikTok something that, like me, many people globally use as a source of news. Hopecore has become a trend, spreading positive news across the platform which is great because there is so much negativity in much of the other important news covered by other platforms. Other content creators like Jack Mac post up-to-date content covering both big and niche stories he believes the public should hear. Despite the bias and questionable credibility, TikTok is a great way to learn about what's going on across the nation and world without censorship typically seen on other news platforms.

Instagram

    Instagram is another massive platform for news. Allowing creators and other news sites to post content and allowing freedom of speech, for the most part. Instagram allows for content to both be found in the "Home" section and the "Reels" section. In the "Home" section, you find accounts you follow. This means news from sources you already trust or want to follow. On the other hand, the "Reels" section allows you to find new accounts or information recommended for you based on their algorithm. Accounts like Complex and WorldStar have gained a massive following for posting news on celebrities and popular musicians that many major news sources might view as unimportant or below them. 

YouTube

    YouTube, being one of the older forms of social media still relevant, has been used to spread news for nearly two decades now. The platform's ability to adapt to change and adhere to what viewers want has been a key component to it's long-term success. YouTube's algorithm to advertise videos and clips based on the viewer's history allows for the spreading of news which interests that viewer. YouTube also has very deep archives, allowing for research on certain topics to be much easier while visual and audible. YouTube introduced "Shorts," which gives viewers the ability to scroll through news clips more so like TikTok or Instagram, but with the same algorithm used to find videos you might like. YouTube TV was also introduced in 2017, allowing for news sources and other platforms to stream their programs like normal television. 

Word-of-mouth

    Talking to peers, friends, and families is a great way of spreading news or information. Whether it's national, statewide, or local news, talking to others is a great way to stay up to date with current events. The main issues with spreading news word-of-mouth is credibility and bias. The people spreading news might spin their own bias on it, or worse yet, could be wrong entirely. Despite this, spreading news through word-of-mouth is an excellent way to talk about issues or events that more so affect you or your community. 

Fox News

    Fox News is a very reputable source of national news with a conservative spin. While biased, Fox serves as a platform which hosts and discusses much of the political happenings nationwide. Personally, I was not one for watching televised news until this most recent election; for which I used Fox to follow. My housemates insisted it was an ideal source for updates and watching live. Since first tuning in, I have used Fox to follow all political happenings including the debates, polling/voting, and the inauguration.